CHIT CHAT: Victoria Stevens, Hull Lifesaving Museum

The Hull Lifesaving Museum has a new exhibit focusing on a very specific type of watercraft during a very specific point in time. Windward in Fine Style: Hull Yachting, 1880-1920, is an exhibit of photographs and artifacts that examines the lifestyle of those well-heeled sailors during the Victorian era.

Wicked Local

Writer

Posted Jun. 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 27, 2013 at 11:44 AM

Posted Jun. 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 27, 2013 at 11:44 AM

» Social News

The Hull Lifesaving Museum has a new exhibit focusing on a very specific type of watercraft during a very specific point in time. Windward in Fine Style: Hull Yachting, 1880-1920, is an exhibit of photographs and artifacts that examines the lifestyle of those well-heeled sailors during the Victorian era.

Victoria Stevens, museum curator, talks about the exhibit.

Q: When most people think of a yacht, they think of rich people having elegant parties on big boats.

A: Yachts are defined partly the size, and also in the boats we’re talking about were built for speed. They’re built to be lean and fast. But I think there was a little of both - they were interested in racing, and we also have photos of elegant parties, so that factored in as well.

Q: Where did the photos come from?

A: Most have been loaned to us by the Hart Nautical collection at M.I.T. We were aware of a few photos, and that’s where we started, but then I did research and realized M.I.T. had a bunch, so I connected with them and they were very generous to loan them to us. I think we have 17 from M.I.T.

Q: Why those particular years, 1880-1920?

A: We picked that period because it was the high point. The Hull Yacht Club began in 1880, and after the 20s things changed – in the middle of that period the Hull Yacht Club joined with the Boston Yacht Club, and they had sites in Boston, Marblehead, and Hull, and they had about 700 members, but by the 20s they split off. In those days there were so many fewer yacht clubs. One of the things that was interesting in doing the research to find how many wealthy Bostonians were part of it.

Q: What kinds of artifacts are on display?

A: Many of the boats were built by the Lawley Company of South Boston. That was one of the most famous boat yards. We have a jump suit and a work jacket from the boat yard. We also have an antique megaphone that would’ve been used for races.

SEE THE EXHIBIT

WHAT: Windward in Fine Style: Hull Yachting, 1880-1920

WHERE: Hull Lifesaving Museum, 1117 Nantasket Ave., Hull

WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Saturday

TICKETS: Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children 18 and younger. 781-925-5433, www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org.